England’s uncapped off-spinner, Shoaib Bashir, is yet to join the squad in India for the five-Test series that commences in Hyderabad on Thursday due to delays in paperwork. The 20-year-old, whose parents are of Pakistani origin, took part in an England training camp in Abu Dhabi but faces complications with paperwork that have led to his exclusion from the current squad.

Stuart Hooper, the newly appointed managing director of cricket operations at the ECB, is reportedly accompanying Bashir during this process, as per an ESPNCricinfo report.

Brendon McCullum, England’s red-ball head coach, mentioned that the ECB has brought up the issue with relevant authorities in the BCCI and the Indian government. They anticipate a resolution within 24 hours. Despite the delay impacting Bashir’s preparation time by about two days, McCullum has reassured that the Somerset player will still be considered for selection in the first Test.

“Bash will join us hopefully tomorrow as well. He’s got a couple of issues with his visa coming through. We’re confident on the back of the help from the BCCI and the Indian government that will sort itself out pretty quickly as well,” McCullum said.

Shoaib Bashir
Background from Pakistan
England Off Spinner still waiting for his Visa for India Tour. 👎
This has happened many times even in past with players with Pakistan background.#pakvsnz pic.twitter.com/nBMa8nS0pV

— Anas Kamboh (@Akcricket3) January 22, 2024

“Things take time, don’t they? Everyone is doing what they can. It’s a process we need to go through.

“We’re pretty confident that we’re close. The time that Bash had with the squad over in Abu Dhabi, where he fitted in seamlessly, will serve him greatly.

“We’ve also got a little bit of support out there for him, so he’s not on his own. We’re hoping the news will come through today that his visa has been approved, then we’ll get him to sink his teeth into this series,” he added.

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